Gransnet forums

Chat

More money than sense?

(19 Posts)
FriedGreenTomatoes2 Fri 22-Nov-24 12:49:18

I suppose the extremely wealthy have to unload their money onto some things!

Emperor’s New Clothes anybody? (My opinion, I admit)

Or does conceptual Art appeal to you?

I’m tempted to sellotape a banana to a wall here …. 🤣

“ You might remember, in the deep, dark recesses of your mind, a controversial piece of art that’s circulated the internet for a few years. The piece, named the “Comedian,” is a conceptual work consisting of… a banana duct taped to a wall (and also a certificate of authenticity, which lets the owner replace the banana whenever it rots).

The banana first appeared at the Art Basel Miami Beach art show in 2019, where three editions of the piece sold for $120,000 to $150,000 apiece. A performance artist also ripped one of the bananas off the wall and ate it for free.

On Wednesday, one of the three remaining bananas (not the one in the guy’s stomach) resurfaced for auction. Bidding started at a whopping $800,000 and lasted for five minutes. At the end of the flurry, the banana was won by crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. The final price? $6.2 million, including auction-house fees.

In a statement, Sun said the “Comedian” represents “a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.” He also added, “In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture.”

GrannyGravy13 Fri 22-Nov-24 12:50:55

It really is jaw dropping…

Oreo Fri 22-Nov-24 12:52:58

It’s art that we can all copy isn’t it? I may go even further and duct tape an apple to my wall and call it Eve.

Kate1949 Fri 22-Nov-24 12:56:08

It makes me angry. Such nonsense. There are people starving in the world.

Skydancer Fri 22-Nov-24 12:58:58

Kate1949

It makes me angry. Such nonsense. There are people starving in the world.

Absolutely agree. It is nonsense in the strongest sense of the word.

MissAdventure Fri 22-Nov-24 12:59:25

It doesn't app"peel" to me, but I know nothing about art.

Witzend Fri 22-Nov-24 13:00:04

Your last paragraph, FriedGreenTomatoes2, would IMO be a wonderful offering for Private Eye’s Pseuds’ Corner!

Septimia Fri 22-Nov-24 13:16:52

FGT, The Emperor's New Clothes was my first thought, too.

Some modern 'art' is more 'design', having taken thought and ideas to produce, and might be interesting. 'Art' requires skill, which is different.

ginny Fri 22-Nov-24 13:23:49

I heard this as I was eating a banana yesterday. If only I had given more thought to what I could do with it.

Totally bonkers !!!!

dalrymple23 Fri 22-Nov-24 14:44:26

Many years ago, someone hung a bag of brussels sprouts from a wall in Hastings museum as part of an exhibition! Another "exhibit" was a pile of broken furniture (later used for a bonfire).
I am sure that it was very deep and meaningful but it escaped me.

EkwaNimitee Fri 22-Nov-24 14:49:01

It makes me mad, think of the good that money could do.
Plus, it’s complete rubbish! Someone’s taking the p*ss!
And a waste of a good banana…

pascal30 Fri 22-Nov-24 14:55:36

There are people with truly squiffed priorities in this world.. Why wouldn't this man feed the poor and needy... unbelievable..

Nightsky2 Fri 22-Nov-24 15:03:13

I’ve just asked DH what he thinks and his response was’ what a load of b……s

Auntieflo Fri 22-Nov-24 15:25:31

I had thought that the mango stone, from last night, would make an excellent piece of art, if installed at the correct height above our food waste caddy.
When the adhesive fails, it just drops, as if by magic, into the caddy, thereby bypassing any need to touch the sticky thing.
Any takers? Cash preferred!

Babs03 Fri 22-Nov-24 15:32:02

Will the art work still be raising eyebrows amongst the rich and senseless when the banana rots?
What about a very rich stupid art luvvie taped to the wall, I’d pay to see that.

HousePlantQueen Fri 22-Nov-24 15:51:25

I suspect this was all a set up by the 'artist' a test, to see just how stupid guillible art buyers can be.

It is obscene when millions are starving

keepingquiet Fri 22-Nov-24 15:55:48

Yep but the answer I usually get is, he/she did it first- why didn't you think about doing it?

So I think I might come up with something equally bonkers and see if I can make a fortune...

mokryna Fri 22-Nov-24 16:13:07

I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience
Well I have just eaten it……any offers

M0nica Fri 22-Nov-24 18:05:11

Among billionaires there will always be a constant competition to be top, top dog, illustrated by the amount of money you can casually throw away.

This 'work of art' is a wonderfully pure and essentially perfect demonstration of 'potlatch'

Potlatch is a ceremonial feast of the American Indians of the northwest coast marked by the host's lavish distribution of gifts or sometimes destruction of property to demonstrate wealth and generosity with the expectation of eventual reciprocation by his honoured guest.

Its intention is to so overwhelm the 'guest' with the amount you give and destroy that they simply cannot match you, thus implicitly recognising you as the top, top dog.